I really enjoy watching movies and shows based in the middle ages and other past time periods. I've noticed that every time there is a battle, the person commanding their forces give some encouraging speech. Did that really ever happen in real life? I feel like that would leave an opportunity of vulnerability for the other side to plan some attack rather than they wait in good faith. Could obviously be wrong though so I figured I would ask you alls opinion.
Speeches do happen, but, they happen in their own way. If you imagined it like Star Wras, where troops are lined up in their units while the commander stands on a stage making a speech, that is most likely inaccurate.
Usually the speeches are just briefings of targets and whatnot. Sometimes they are letters from higher officers, those usually contain the spirit-burning speeches.
After all, the enemy isn't gonna wait for you to end your speech before attacking, it's war.